32 THE GRAYLING. 



They are also found in the Wye and its tributaries ; 

 very plentifully in the Lug, and also in the Dee. 

 The quaint and curious writer whom we have already 

 quoted more than once, has the following original 

 remarks on the nature and manner of angling for 

 this fish : umber or grayling is an amorous fish, 

 that loves a frolic as he loves his life, whose teeth 

 water after every wasp, as his fins flutter after 

 every fly ; for if it be but a fly or the produce of an 

 insect, out of a generous curiosity he is ready to en- 

 tertain it. Smooth and swift streams, more than 

 any thing, enamour him, notwithstanding he de- 

 clines the force of a torrent : nor shall you persuade 

 him to quarrel with the gliding streams, provided 

 they be sweet, clear, and shining. It is from these 

 clear translucid waters, that the hackle and the ar- 

 tificial fly court him ashore. But of all natural 

 insects which accommodate the art, the green drake 

 is that sovereign opthalmic that opens his eyes, 

 and shuts them again, with the hazard of his life, 

 and loss of his element. Yet for this fly admirer, 

 there is another bait, and that is the munket, or a 

 sea-green grub, generated, as I take it, amongst 

 owlder trees. The like product issues from the 

 willows, so does it from the sallow, nor is the primp 

 fence denied this vegetable animal, save only they 

 are different in splendour and colour, as also as dif- 

 ferent in shape and proportion. Take then this 

 insect from the alder tree, to refute the hypothesis 

 of the incredulous angler ; which, if ingeniously cul- 

 tivated by the art of angling, will upon proof of a 



